The Labour Party said Saturday it is deeply regrettable that the Opposition continues to resort to attacks and disparaging remarks against our country's institutions.

If the Leader of the Opposition genuinely wants to be taken seriously when speaking about the national interest, he should, first and foremost, distance himself from the comments made by members of his own parliamentary group, the PL said.

Referring to comments made during a press conference by the Nationalist Party, the PL said this is not the time for partisan attacks. "Nor is it the time for political calculations or tactics, for rushed statements, or for attempts to exploit a court decision for political convenience."

The PL said it fully supports the government's "measured and responsible position" following the verdict in the Yorgen Fenech trial.

"Unlike others, Partit Laburista did not prepare two scripts in anticipation of two possible outcomes. The Opposition Leader, Alex Borg, appeared so caught between two versions that, at one point, he seemed to be reading from one script, only to contradict himself by quoting from another, moments later," the PL said.

The PL's position "has been and remains clear and consistent: to support the Government in its full and unwavering pursuit of the truth, while showing absolute respect for the institutions and for the independence of the judicial process. Truth, justice and strong institutions do not belong to any political party. They belong to Malta and serve the interests of the entire Maltese and Gozitan people."